Located approximately 170 km south of Lisbon, Porto Côvo is a beautiful coastal village that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Known for its steep cliffs, pristine beaches, and enchanting whitewashed houses, it’s the perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking peace and tranquility. With a small yet vibrant local community, Porto Côvo invites visitors to explore its scenic coastal trails, enjoy fresh seafood, and relax by the Atlantic Ocean. The drive from Lisbon takes less than two hours, and a one to two day stay is recommended to fully engage in the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere of this secret paradise.
How to Travel from Lisbon to Porto Côvo
If you’re planning to travel from Lisbon to Porto Côvo, there are some convenient options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one.
Travelling from Lisbon to Porto Côvo is simple, with a few convenient transportation options. The most common way is by bus, with regular departures from Lisbon’s Sete Rios or Gare do Oriente bus stations. The bus ride takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and offers a scenic journey through the Alentejo region.
Alternatively, driving is a great option for more flexibility, with the trip taking approximately 2 hours along the A2 and N120 roads. While there is no direct train route, both bus and car offer an easy way to reach this beautiful coastal village.
For a more personalized and comfortable experience, you can also book a private tour from Lisbon to Porto Côvo, allowing you to enjoy the trip at your own pace with added flexibility for stops and sightseeing along the way.
Best Things to Do and See in Porto Côvo
Relax at the magnificent Praia Grande
Situated just outside the northern end of Porto Côvo, Praia Grande is a favourite among both locals and visitors. It’s easy to get to and just a short walk from the village’s playground and garden. The beach itself is beautiful, with soft sand stretching out beneath the shelter of tall cliffs, offering a bit of protection from the wind. It’s a Blue Flag beach, which means it’s clean and well-kept, and it’s also a top spot for surfers. Whether you’re here to relax or ride the waves, Praia Grande is a perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Stroll through the heart of the village
At the heart of Porto Côvo is Largo Marquês de Pombal, a charming square filled with inviting restaurants and cute souvenir shops. Don’t miss the Church of Nossa Senhora da Soledade, an elegant Rococo building from the 18th century. Step inside to admire the stunning gilded altar and the sacred statue of Our Lady of Soledade, beloved by locals. After exploring the square, stroll along the pedestrian street of Vasco da Gama, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and refreshing ocean breeze on your way to the coast.
Visit the fortress of Porto Covo
Built in the 17th century by King Dom Pedro II, the Fort of Pessegueiro was meant to protect the coast from pirates and corsairs. Situated on a cliff directly facing Pessegueiro Island, just off the coast of Porto Côvo, this historic fort once worked in tandem with another smaller fort on the island itself, which was damaged during the great earthquake of 1755. Today, visitors can explore the ruins while enjoying breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a perfect spot to learn about the region’s past and take in the stunning coastal landscape.
Hike a stunning trail along the coast
The Fisherman’s Trail is one of the most scenic coastal hikes in the world, stretching along the stunning Alentejo coast. Starting in Porto Côvo, this challenging yet rewarding trail is part of the Rota Vicentina network, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic and unspoiled nature. The route takes you through rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and picturesque villages, making it a must for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you walk a section or tackle the full four-day journey, the trail showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal.
Explore the picturesque villages nearby
If you’re in Porto Côvo, make sure to explore the nearby villages. Just 10 minutes away by car, Vila Nova de Milfontes is full of history and offers beautiful riverside views. A bit further down the coast, Zambujeira do Mar is famous for its beaches and laid-back vibe. It’s also home to the famous MEO Sudoeste festival, but even outside of festival season, it’s a peaceful place to relax and enjoy great local food. Both villages are perfect for a day trip and give you a real taste of coastal Portugal.
Taste authentic Alentejo cuisine at Lamelas
For an authentic taste of Alentejo’s rich cuisine and fresh seafood, don’t miss Lamelas Restaurante in Porto Côvo. Located near the Miradouro, with beautiful views of the Baía dos Pescadores, Lamelas combines traditional Alentejan flavours with the best of the local catch. Specializing in fish and seafood, it’s the perfect spot to experience the region’s culinary highlights. Recently featured in the 2024 Michelin Guide, this restaurant is a must for anyone visiting Porto Côvo and looking to enjoy delicious, local food.
Surf at Vieirinha
Praia da Vieirinha is a fantastic spot for beginners to learn how to surf. The Costa Azul Surf School offers lessons that last just over two hours and include everything you need: equipment, insurance, and a friendly instructor. If you want to dive deeper into surfing, they also provide multi-day courses. After your lesson, relax at the beach bar and enjoy a tasty meal on the terrace while soaking in the beautiful views. It’s the perfect way to catch up after a fun day on the waves!
Where to Stay in Porto Côvo
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Porto Côvo is truly memorable.
Recomended Hotels:
Porto Covo Praia Hotel
4 stars • 500 m from centre
Quinta da Boavista
3 stars • 12,4 km from centre
Monte Xisto
4 stars • 14,4 km from centre
Sines Sea View
4 stars • 12,8 km from centre
Hotel Veleiro
3 stars • 13,4 km from centre
The Blue Bamboo
3 stars • 14 km from centre
Recomended Apartments:
Monte da Bemposta
2,7 km from centre
Monte do Cerro
3,9 km from centre
Porto Covo
150 m from centre
Apartamentos Campos
250 m from centre
Monte das Flores
10 km from centre
Casa Sol e Mar
14 km from centre
Recomended Guest Houses:
Pé na Areia
100 m from centre
Ocean House
150 m from centre
Calmaria Guesthouse
450 m from centre
Naturarte Campo
17 km from centre
Villa Eira
14 km from centre
Raminhos Guest House
13 km from centre
Transportation in Porto Côvo
Porto Côvo’s transport system makes it easy to explore this charming coastal village and its nearby attractions. While there are no direct trains, buses from Lisbon provide regular connections to Porto Côvo, making it accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.
Once there, walking is the best way to enjoy the village’s scenic streets, beautiful beaches, and the natural beauty of the surrounding coastline.
For those looking to explore further, renting a bike or car is ideal to visit nearby spots like Ilha do Pessegueiro or the stunning cliffs of the Vicentine Coast.
Taxis are also available for more personalized rides around the area.
Best Tours in Porto Côvo
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Porto Côvo is truly memorable.
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